UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Azerbaijan sign trade deal as officials meet in Abu Dhabi for Armenia peace talks The deal is expected to contribute around $680 million to the UAE’s gross domestic product by 2031, according to UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. United Arab Emirates
Iran FM visits Saudi Arabia as kingdom makes push for regional diplomacy The meeting in Mecca comes as Saudi Arabia steps up its diplomatic engagement with key global powers with the aim of managing regional tensions. Saudi Arabia
UAE ranks second globally as digital nomad destination: What to know The Gulf country was rated highly for its internet quality, public safety, low tax environment, comprehensive health-care system and overall infrastructure. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Gulf bets on LNG boom power ahead amid regional energy shifts, war risks By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Interview Former French PM says Trump has ‘immense opportunity’ in Mideast Dominique de Villepin Former French prime minister
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia pushes for Africa debt relief as private investments set to reach $25B Saudi Arabia is pushing for debt relief for African nations burdened with more than $1 trillion in liabilities. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Saudi naval ambitions get a boost after joint Greece, France exercise The kingdom is modernizing its navy under Vision 2030, replacing outdated vessels while seeking to diversify its military partnerships beyond traditional US reliance — but operational gaps remain. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Qatar to vote on ditching legislative council elections as Gulf states balk at representative rule Qatar's first legislative council election was held in October 2021, a year before it hosted the FIFA World Cup, but the Gulf state now looks poised to roll back citizens' involvement in the legislative process. Qatar
Qatari emir in Germany to boost economic ties According to the German chancellery, Scholz will host the emir at Meseberg Castle, with the meeting focusing on deepening energy, trade and regional security ties. Qatar
Russia's BRICS summit: Gulf states seek influence as Iran, UAE debut as members Saudi Arabia’s crown prince will not be in attendance but has sent his foreign minister. Expansion of the group and adoption of a new currency are on the three-day agenda. United Arab Emirates
WFP to send aid ship to feed displaced in Lebanon The UN food agency is raising the alarm over food insecurity and a harsh winter in the Levant as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon continue. Israel
As Iran, Israel lurch toward war, Saudi Arabia seeks rapprochement with Tehran Riyadh seeks assurances from Tehran that energy infrastructure in the region is spared amid talks of Israeli retaliation targeting Iranian oil and gas assets. Iran
UAE in 'realignment mode' as Mohammed bin Zayed heads to US The UAE president is set to meet US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on his visit. A top advisor refused to say on Thursday if he will be meeting Donald Trump. United Arab Emirates
Analysis UAE president to visit White House as frustrations mount over Gaza endgame Abu Dhabi has hardened its stance on Israel as Gulf states consider their role in rebuilding Gaza. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Trial opens in London for UAE-backed Manchester City: What we know The English Premier League claims Man City breached rules requiring it to provide financial data that "gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position." United Arab Emirates
China's premier in UAE after Saudi Arabia as Beijing deepens Gulf ties Prime Minister Li Qiang’s visit to Abu Dhabi follows a similar trip to Saudi Arabia where he discussed Chinese-Gulf ties. United Arab Emirates
What's behind the UAE's visa amnesty scheme? As part of the United Arab Emirates' large-scale amnesty scheme, migrants in the country illegally who have secured jobs can apply for fresh visas, while others will be allowed to leave without facing penalties. United Arab Emirates
